Delivering on changes to EI

July 20, 2016

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The Government of Canada has kept its promise to provide economic security to middle class Canadians by improving the Employment Insurance (EI) system across the country and by extending regular benefits to the 15 identified EI economic regions that have experienced the sharpest and most severe increases in unemployment due to downturn in commodity prices.

These changes were made so that the people of Calgary Centre, Alberta, and Canadians right across this country have access to more help when they need it most. During challenging economic times, Employment Insurance must be available to help people in our communities get back on their feet.

The changes include:

Repealing the unfair rules enacted in 2012 which forced unemployed workers to commute further and take lower-paying jobs

Ending the 910-hour eligibility penalty for workers entering or re-entering the workforce, thereby stopping the discrimination that makes it harder for our most precarious workers – such as parents returning to the workforce, younger workers, people who have left the workforce due to illness, and new Canadians – from accessing the benefits that help them get back to work;

Expediting the extended EI regular benefits. Canadians living in the 15 identified EI economic regions that have experienced the sharpest and most severe increases in unemployment.

Employment Insurance is an anchor of economic security for Canadian workers, We’re making a system that is reliable, will help grow Canada’s economy, and makes a real difference in the lives of people in Calgary and across the country.